Giveaway - Inside Out & Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

Harlequin Teen imprint has finally arrived in Australia!  YAY!  They have just launched their Facebook page which is the perfect place to get exclusive information, enter giveaways, read reviews and and more.

Thanks to the super generous people at Harlequin Teen I have one copy of Inside Out , one copy of Outside In  both by Maria V. Snyder,  a signed poster and bookmarks to giveaway to one lucky winner.  All you have to do to enter is help spread the word by liking their new facebook page.

GIVEAWAY RULES
- This contest in only open to Australian residents (sorry international readers I will make it to you soon).
- Must LIKE Harlequin Teen new Facebook page.
- Must fill out this FORM.
- Ends 31st July, 2011.  Winner will be chosen by random.org in accordance with my giveaway policy.

Good luck to everyone!

Also some exciting news - Maria V. Snyder is touring Australia in August!  Go to Harlequin Teen Facebook Page for more details and a chance to interview Maria  V. Synder and win an iPad2.

Book Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Published by: Egmont

Publication Date: 14th June, 2011

Source: Bought

One hour to rewrite the past . . .
 For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

My Review:

Favourite quote:  "Most of what I say is complete truth. My edit button is broken."

I was excited to read Hourglass.  I mean how could you not be with such an intriguing synopsis and gorgeous cover.  And while I ended up really enjoying Hourglass I did struggled at the beginning.

The start was a bit slow for me.  It lacked that something special that makes you get caught up in the story and care about what is happening.  But half way through things changed and there was action, plot twists and chemistry between the characters and I began to feel captivated by Hourglass.  And even though the concept of time travel is not unique this did feel like a fresh take on this supernatural element.

Emerson is an enjoyable protagonist.   She is brave, strong and quick witted character and is a stand outs in the sea of likeable YA lead females.  Then there is Michael, he is loyal, smart and gorgeous.  You know the typical leading man.  I liked him but he is kind of forgettable once you read the book.  There is nothing wrong with him I just didn't feel the swoon.

The secondary characters however are strong and distinctive.  I especially loved Kaleb (a lot more than Michael, no there is not a love triangle, well not really, okay only a little).  And the villain he would have to be one of the most surprising and fascinating characters in the story.

The romance was sweet.  Much like the rest of the book it took me a bit to warm up to it.  I got frustrated at the beginning because the characters had this instant-attraction-love thing but did this no whole we can't be together dance.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  And it didn't at the beginning. But as I got to know the characters better and understand the reasons behind their actions I ended up liking the romance.

Overall, despite my rocky start with Hourglass I did really enjoy it.  And will be definitely reading more of this series.

Overall Rating: 4/5 
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5 - Cover is even more gorgeous in real life.

For more info:  Visit Myra McEntire's website.

For more reviews: Steph Su Reads or Goodreads.

In My Mailbox #32

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

FOR REVIEW:

Everlasting by Alyson Noel -  This is the final instalment of this series and if a couple ever deserved a happily ever after it is Damen and Ever.  I also really love our Aussie cover.  It is beautiful up close (the picture doesn't do it justice).  Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter - Book #1 in The Gallagher Girls series.  I love Carter's Heist Society series so I am excited to try this series.  Thanks to Hachette Australia.

Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy by Ally Carter - Book #2 in The Gallagher Girls series.  Thanks to Hachette Australia.

Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter - Book #3 in The Gallagher Girls series.  Thanks to Hachette Australia.

Only The Good Spy Young by Ally Carter - Book #4 in The Gallagher Girls series.  Thanks to Hachette Australia.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Don't forget to enter my Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals GIVEAWAY!

***Stayed tuned this week as I have TWO more GIVEAWAYS***

Book Review: Gateway by Christina Garner

Gateway by Christina Garner
Publication date: 17th May, 2011
Source: Thanks to Christina Garner

Ember has always known she doesn't belong in this world. But when she tries to correct the mistake, she wakes to find herself in a mental institution.

She's soon drawn to Taren, the mysterious boy with hazel eyes. He's not what he seems, but what is he?

When chaos erupts, they are forced to flee the institution together, and the secret that Taren has been keeping brings Ember closer to understanding her own. And leads her to... the Gateway.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "I felt changed, soiled by the brutality of all I'd witnessed.  Something had finally replaced teenage girls on my list of most heinous, and I didn't even know what to call it."

Gateway is good.  Really good.  I enjoyed everything about this novel - the strong writing, the believable characters, the captivating plot and the subtle but sweet romance.

Garner has written an impressive debut.  Her writing is quick and engaging and the plot has quite a few surprising twists.  Like I completely didn't see that coming twists and I mean none of them.  And that is a hard thing to find these days.  I really got caught up in this enthralling and convincing world and finished it within 24 hours.

Gateway is not all paranormal.  At the start of the book Ember wakes up in a hospital after an attempted suicide.  So it does deal with some serious issues briefly adding some more emotional depth to the story but it isn't a depressing read.  It is still more of action-packed, mysterious type of story.

The characters are well rounded and well written.   Ember, the main character, struggles with being different.  She has a genuine narrative making it easy to relate and connect with her.   While Taren is an intriguing character.  He is the type of guy that is the first one there if anybody needs anything.  Just a great guy.

There is a touch of romance between Ember and Taren.  They have plenty of tension that builds up nicely as the story goes.  It definitely has you eagerly reading to see if these two will act on their attraction.

Overall, Gateway is a exceptional dark and appealing paranormal novel.  I can't wait to read more of this world.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover: 4/5 - I love the simple black and grey art style cover.

For more info:  Visit Christina Garner's website.

Note: Gateway is available on Barnes & Noble, Smashwords or Amazon for only $2.99!!!

Giveaway (International) - Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals

I have just read both Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter.  They were definitely entertaining and feel good reads.  So I thought I would share the book love and giveaway a copy of both.

One winner will be chosen for Heist Society and one for Uncommon Criminals.  That way people who have read the first book but don't own the second book can still enter. 

All you have to do is enter is fill out this FORM.  

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!!!

You can gain extra entries by tweeting, commenting, etc if you like.

Competition closes at midnight on 27th July, 2011 and winner will be chosen by random.org in accordance with my giveaway policy.

You can check out my review for Heist Society HERE and Uncommon Criminals HERE.  Extra entries for commenting.

Also My Book Boyfriend post on Hale is here is you want some eye candy!

My Book Boyfriend #23

My Book Boyfriend is hosted by the awesome blogger Missie at The Unread Reader.   What is My Book Boyfriend you might ask.  Well it is a weekly meme where we talk about a literary crush including stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that make you swoon.  If you are interested in participating please check out Missie blog The Unread Reader.

This week's pick is

W.W. Hale from Heist Society series

Hale is bit of a mysterious guy (we don't even know his first name).  But he is also charming, loyal, completely gorgeous, quick witted and always there when you need him.

She studied W.W. Hale the Fifth.  He looked older than sixteen, with messy light brown hair and golden skin, and a first name despite two years of effort, Kat had never learned.

"Kat felt her heart beat faster, adrenaline pumping through her veins, and she knew he was right. She studied him for a long time. "Do you believe in curses, Hale?"

He looked at her. "I believe in you." 

She shivered, and Hale placed his arms around her, gripping the rail on either side, pressing her tight between the cool rail and the warmth of his chest.

"Dancing. Come on. You can do it. It's a lot like navigating through a laser grid. It requires rhythm.' He moved her hips to the beat of the distant music. 'And patience.' He spun her around slowly and back toward him. 'And it's only fun if you trust your partner.' The dip was so slow, so smooth that Kat didn't know it was happening until the world was already turned upside down and Hale's face was inches from her own.Count me in, Kat.' He squeezed her tighter. 'You should always count me in."

What do you think of Hale?

Any guesses what his first name is?

Haven't read Heist Society or Uncommon Criminals? Come back tomorrow for a giveaway!

Thanks to Missie for hosting this meme.  You can check out Missie's book boyfriend post on Hale here.

***Audrey and Missie back off! I already know what your comments are going to say.  He is mine ;P

Book Review: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Heist Societ by Ally Carter
Publication Date: 1st July, 2011
Published by: Hachette Australia
Source: Thanks to Hachette Australia


Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  Luck is a strange thing in the life of any thief and halfway decent con man.  What is it that keeps the mark from counting the till or the guards from looking up at precisely the wrong moment?  Kat had learned at a very young age that luck is for the amateur, the lazy---those who are unprepared and unskilled.  And yet she also knew that luck, like most things, cannot be truly missed until it is also truly gone.

When it comes to sequels they can be a scary thing especially when you love the first book.  But Uncommon Criminals is just as good as Heist Society.  Once again Ally Carter offers all the right elements for another fun read - clever writing, a quick and suspenseful plot and entertaining characters.

Again there were plenty of twists in this cleverly constructed plot making it impossible to put Uncommon Criminals down.  And when I did I was thinking about all the ways Kat could possibly get herself out of trouble this time.   I also love how Carter brilliantly describes the settings.   She really knows how to capture the beautiful places like Monte Carlo the crew visits and you can picture everything perfectly thanks to Carter's wonderful writing.    

Kat is a genuine and likeable character.  She is independent, smart and stubborn.  In this instalment Kat has to learn to that she doesn't have to do everything on her own even if she doesn't need help.  That it is okay to want help from her crew.  Kat showed a lot growth.  I also love the distinctive bunch of secondary characters.  As soon as I started the book I was eagerly awaiting when Hale, Gabrielle, Simon or the Bagshaw brothers would pop up in the story and when they did they didn't disappoint.

I know fans of the first book will be wondering about the romance.   Does anything happen with Hale? Well all I can say is the spark is still there and you will have to read the book (I recommend immediately).

Overall, this is one addictive series that I highly recommend. I really hope Carter writes a Heist Society #3.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Plot: 5/5
Character: 4.5/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover: 4.5/5 - I love how the covers match perfectly.

For more info:  Visit Ally Carter's website or Date a Book.

For more reviews: I Swim For Oceans and holes In My Brain

STAY TUNED THIS WEEK FOR A GIVEAWAY FOR THIS SERIES!!!